US11519205B2 - Closure latch assembly with power lock mechanism having outside lock lever water protection - Google Patents

Closure latch assembly with power lock mechanism having outside lock lever water protection Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US11519205B2
US11519205B2 US16/407,633 US201916407633A US11519205B2 US 11519205 B2 US11519205 B2 US 11519205B2 US 201916407633 A US201916407633 A US 201916407633A US 11519205 B2 US11519205 B2 US 11519205B2
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
housing
actuator lever
seal member
seal
latch assembly
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active, expires
Application number
US16/407,633
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
US20190345746A1 (en
Inventor
Kar Wang Woo
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Magna Closures Inc
Original Assignee
Magna Closures Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Magna Closures Inc filed Critical Magna Closures Inc
Priority to US16/407,633 priority Critical patent/US11519205B2/en
Publication of US20190345746A1 publication Critical patent/US20190345746A1/en
Assigned to MAGNA CLOSURES INC. reassignment MAGNA CLOSURES INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: WOO, KAR WANG
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US11519205B2 publication Critical patent/US11519205B2/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Adjusted expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
    • E05B85/00—Details of vehicle locks not provided for in groups E05B77/00 - E05B83/00
    • E05B85/20—Bolts or detents
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
    • E05B77/00—Vehicle locks characterised by special functions or purposes
    • E05B77/34—Protection against weather or dirt, e.g. against water ingress
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
    • E05B83/00—Vehicle locks specially adapted for particular types of wing or vehicle
    • E05B83/36—Locks for passenger or like doors
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
    • E05B85/00—Details of vehicle locks not provided for in groups E05B77/00 - E05B83/00
    • E05B85/02—Lock casings
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
    • E05B81/00—Power-actuated vehicle locks
    • E05B81/02—Power-actuated vehicle locks characterised by the type of actuators used
    • E05B81/04—Electrical
    • E05B81/06—Electrical using rotary motors
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
    • E05B81/00—Power-actuated vehicle locks
    • E05B81/12—Power-actuated vehicle locks characterised by the function or purpose of the powered actuators
    • E05B81/16—Power-actuated vehicle locks characterised by the function or purpose of the powered actuators operating on locking elements for locking or unlocking action
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
    • E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
    • E05B81/00—Power-actuated vehicle locks
    • E05B81/24—Power-actuated vehicle locks characterised by constructional features of the actuator or the power transmission
    • E05B81/32—Details of the actuator transmission
    • E05B81/34—Details of the actuator transmission of geared transmissions

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates generally to latch assemblies of vehicle closure panels, and more particularly to latch assemblies having lock levers with seal members to inhibit water ingress.
  • Latch assemblies commonly have multiple components assembled to one another, such as a housing and cover having peripheries brought into mating abutment with one another, as well as a multiple functional internal components contained within the housing/cover assembly. Further, openings are typically formed in the housing and/or cover to allow for the through passage of one or more members, such as an actuator lever(s), e.g. outside lock lever, for operable connection to one or more of the functional internal components.
  • an actuator lever(s) e.g. outside lock lever
  • latch assemblies configured for actuation via bowden cables often have openings in the housing and/or cover to allow the bowden cables to extend into the latch to interact with the internal components.
  • these openings can present an entry point for water ingress, i.e. from water which may flow along the surface of the bowden cable into the latch assembly, or from water which may be on the surface of the latch assembly adjacent to such openings and creep, for example under the force of gravity, into the latch assembly.
  • a latch assembly that can include one or more openings through a housing/cover assembly thereof for the passage of cables and/or levers therethrough, while at the same time avoiding ingress of water into the housing/cover assembly in an economical, reliable and assembler friendly manner so as to avoid compromising the ability of the latch assembly to function optimally for a long and useful life, as desired.
  • the present disclosure is directed to providing a sealed latch assembly for a vehicle closure panel.
  • the sealed latch assembly includes a housing having an internal cavity sized for receipt of internal latch components of the latch assembly and a cover attached to the housing to enclose at least a portion of the internal cavity.
  • the housing and/or cover present an opening configured for the passage of an actuator lever therethrough for operable connection to at least one of the internal components to effect actuation of the internal component.
  • a seal is configured for receipt about a portion of the actuator lever to form a water-tight seal between the housing and/or cover and the actuator lever to prevent the passage of water through the opening.
  • the present disclosure is directed to providing a vehicle closure panel having the sealed latch assembly
  • the sealed latch assembly includes a housing having an internal cavity sized for receipt of internal latch components of the latch assembly and a cover attached to the housing to enclose at least a portion of the internal cavity.
  • the housing and/or cover present an opening configured for the passage of an actuator lever therethrough for operable connection to at least one of the internal components to effect actuation of the internal component.
  • a seal is configured for receipt about a portion of the actuator lever to form a water-tight seal between the housing and/or cover and the actuator lever to prevent the passage of water through the opening.
  • the seal member can be fixed against relative movement with the actuator lever, thereby enhancing the ability to maintain a water-tight seal therebetween and minimizing wear of the seal member.
  • the seal member can be bonded with the actuator lever, thereby preventing unwanted movement or separation between the seal member and the actuator lever.
  • the seal member and the actuator lever can be configured to pivot relative to the housing in a water-tight seal therewith and in low frictional engagement therewith.
  • the actuator lever can be provided having a first member disposed external to the internal cavity and a second member disposed within the internal cavity, with the first member and the second member being constructed of separate pieces of material, and the first member being fixed against relative movement with the second member.
  • the first member can be provided having one of a non-circular male protrusion and a non-circular female pocket and the second member can be provided having the other of the non-circular male protrusion and the non-circular female pocket, with the non-circular male protrusion being configured for mating receipt in the non-circular female pocket to prevent relative rotation between the first member and the second member, thereby preventing slop (play) between the first and second members.
  • the seal member can be bonded to the first member, such as in a molding process, thereby making assembly of the subassembly, including the seal member and first member, to the housing and the second member easy and economical.
  • the seal member can be provided having an annular seal lip brought into seal engagement with the outer surface for relative low friction, pivotal movement thereagainst, thereby enhancing the water-tightness of the seal perfected.
  • the seal member can be provided having a bellowed projection with a through passage extending therethrough, wherein the actuator lever extends through the through passage in sealed relation therein, with the bellowed projection facilitating pivoting movement of the actuator lever.
  • the housing can be provided having a fastener opening and the seal member can have a fastener member formed as a monolithic piece of material therewith, with the fastener member being disposed through the fastener opening for fixation therein.
  • the seal member can be formed having a base wall from which the bellowed projection extends and a seal lip can be provided to extend along at least a portion of the base wall for sealed engagement with an outer surface of the housing.
  • the actuator lever can be provided to function as an outside lock lever.
  • a method of preventing ingress of water into an internal cavity of a latch assembly of a vehicle closure panel between an actuator lever and an opening in a housing of the latch assembly includes disposing a portion of the actuator lever through the opening for operable connection with an internal latch component and, disposing a seal member about a portion of the actuator lever to form a water-tight seal between the housing and the actuator lever to prevent the passage of water through the opening.
  • the method can further include providing the actuator lever having a first member and a second member constructed of separate pieces of material and disposing the first member external to the internal cavity and the second member within the internal cavity and fixing the first member against relative movement with the second member.
  • the method can further include bonding the seal member to the first member and providing the seal member having an annular seal lip brought into sealed engagement with an outer surface of the housing for relative sealed, pivotal movement thereagainst.
  • the method can further include providing the seal member having a bellowed projection with a through passage extending therethrough and extending the actuator lever in sealed relation through the through passage.
  • the method can further include providing the housing having a fastener opening and providing the seal member having a fastener member and fixing the fastener member within the fastener opening.
  • FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of a motor vehicle equipped with a pivotal passenger-entry door having a door handle operably interconnected to a latch assembly constructed in accordance with and embodying the teachings of the present disclosure;
  • FIG. 2 is a plan view of a latch, such shown in FIG. 1 , with a cover removed therefrom to illustrate some internal components thereof;
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the latch assembly of FIG. 2 illustrating an outside lock lever thereof in accordance with one aspect of the disclosure
  • FIG. 4 is an enlarged plan view showing a portion of the latch of FIG. 2 with a motor removed to better illustrate the outside lock lever;
  • FIG. 5 is cross-sectional view taken generally along the line 5 - 5 of FIG. 3 ;
  • FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of the outside lock lever of FIG. 3 ;
  • FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of the outside lock lever of FIG. 3 ;
  • FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of a first portion of the outside lock lever of FIG. 6 shown prior to fixing a seal member thereto;
  • FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 8 shown after fixing a seal member thereto;
  • FIG. 9 A is a perspective view of the seal member of FIG. 9 ;
  • FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a second portion of the outside lock lever of FIG. 6 ;
  • FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a portion of a latch assembly constructed in accordance with another aspect of the disclosure.
  • FIG. 11 A is a perspective view showing a portion of the latch assembly of FIG. 11 prior to assembly of a seal member about an outside lock lever thereof;
  • FIG. 12 is an inside perspective view of a portion of a housing of the latch assembly of FIG. 11 shown with the seal member assembled thereto and with the outside lock lever removed for clarity purposes of illustrating the seal member;
  • FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of a portion of the latch assembly of FIG. 12 illustrating the seal member thereof;
  • FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along the line 14 - 14 of FIG. 11 ;
  • FIG. 15 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of preventing ingress of water into an internal cavity of a latch assembly of a vehicle closure panel between an actuator lever and an opening in a housing of the latch assembly.
  • example embodiments of latch assemblies of the type configured for use with motor vehicle closure systems constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure, will now be disclosed.
  • the example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail, as they will be readily understood by the skilled artisan in view of the disclosure herein.
  • first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.
  • Spatially relative terms such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” “top”, “bottom”, and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element's or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures.
  • Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features.
  • the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below.
  • the device may be otherwise oriented (rotated degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptions used herein interpreted accordingly.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle 10 that includes a vehicle body 12 and at least one vehicle closure panel, shown as a vehicle door 14 , by way of example and without limitation.
  • the vehicle door 14 includes an edge face 15 , inside and outside door handles 16 , 17 , a lock knob 18 , with a hinge(s) (not shown) pivotally fixing the door 14 to the vehicle body 12 .
  • a latch assembly also referred to simply as latch 20 , is positioned or sealing affixed against an inner surface the edge face 15 .
  • the latch 20 includes a housing 23 and a cover 25 bounding a cavity 27 in which internal latch components 31 are contained, including a latch mechanism release component including a pivotal latch member (i.e. ratchet 29 , FIG.
  • the lock knob 18 (optional) is shown and provides a visual indication of the lock state of the latch 20 and may be operable to change the lock state between an unlocked state and a locked state.
  • At least one of the handles 16 , 17 is operably connected to the latch 20 via a wire or release cable 21 , such as a Bowden cable, by way of example and without limitation, for facilitating actuation of latch assembly 20 via intended (selective) operation of the handles 16 , 17 .
  • the release cable 21 operably connects one or both of handles 16 , 17 to the functionally moveable latch member release component of the latch assembly 20 for opening or unlatching the latch assembly 20 (i.e. for releasing striker 22 from latched engagement with the ratchet 29 to open the vehicle door 14 ).
  • a lock/unlock control knob of handle 17 i.e. key cylinder 24
  • an actuation lever such as a lock lever 26 , e.g. an outside lock lever of latch 20 , via a cable or rod 28 .
  • the latch 20 and in particular the region of the housing 23 , by way of example and without limitation, having an opening 30 through which the lock lever 26 extends is constructed and otherwise configured to inhibit the ingress of water therein. As such, the potential for jamming of functional internal components 31 due to freezing is prevented, while further inhibiting the onset of corrosion of functional internal components 31 .
  • the latch 20 includes a seal member 32 disposed about a portion of the lock lever 26 to form a water-tight seal between the housing 23 and the lock lever 26 , thereby preventing the passage of water through the opening 30 between the lock lever 26 and opening 30 . Accordingly, the latch assembly 20 is able to function as intended, for an extended useful life, without concern of malfunction resulting from phenomenon related to the ingress of water.
  • FIG. 2 is a plan view showing some of the functional internal latch components 31 of one possible embodiment of latch 20 in accordance with the disclosure, with some of the internal components 31 , such as the ratchet 29 ( FIG. 3 ), one or more pawls, one or more link levers, and spring members, being hidden beneath the viewable internal latch components 31 , while those possessing ordinary skill in the art of vehicle latches will readily appreciate other latch arrangements.
  • the internal components 31 such as the ratchet 29 ( FIG. 3 ), one or more pawls, one or more link levers, and spring members
  • the ratchet 29 can be pivotally mounted for pivoting movement between a fully closed position, whereat the striker 22 is captured in a slot 34 of ratchet 29 formed in part by a hook 36 of the ratchet 29 , thereby being maintained in a fishmouth 38 of housing 23 , and an open position, whereat the striker 22 is not trapped and maintained within the fishmouth 38 by the hook 36 and is free to move out of the slot 34 presented by the ratchet 29 .
  • the ratchet 29 rotates clockwise to move from the closed position to the open position.
  • the internal components 31 readily seen in FIG. 2 , include, among others, a motor 40 selectively operable to drive a worm gear 42 , which in turn drives a lock/unlock gear 44 , thereby pivoting a lock link lever 46 into and out of selective operable engagement with an outside release lever 48 , which is operably coupled to outside door handle 17 via cable 21 .
  • Lock link lever 46 is selectively moveable between locked and unlocked positions via motor 40 and via pivoting movement of outside lock lever 26 , in response to selective actuation of key lock cylinder 24 , as desired.
  • outside release lever 48 When lock link lever 46 is pivoted out of operable engagement with outside release lever 48 , outside release lever 48 is rendered inoperable in that actuation thereof will not cause latch 20 to move from its latched state to its unlatched state. Contrarily, when lock link lever 46 is pivoted into operable engagement with outside release lever 48 , outside release lever 48 is rendered operable in that actuation thereof will cause latch 20 to move from its latched state to its unlatched state.
  • the housing 23 , cover 25 and outside latch lever 26 of latch 20 may be manufactured of a plastic material formed by a plastic injection molding process, by way of example and without limitation, but may also be formed from, or in combination with, for example, a metal material, a carbon fiber material, or other materials of suitable durability and strength.
  • the outside lock lever 26 has a first member 50 disposed externally to the internal cavity 27 , shown as extending generally parallel along an outer surface of the housing 23 , and a separate second member 52 , formed from a separate piece of material from the first member 50 , disposed internally within the internal cavity 27 .
  • the first member 50 as best illustrated in FIG. 8 , has an elongate arm portion 54 , also referred to as arm, extending lengthwise between opposite ends 56 , 57 and a generally planar disc portion 58 extending from end 57 of arm 54 .
  • Disc portion 58 is shown as having a circular or generally circular (meaning the outer periphery may not have a constant radius, but could be otherwise shaped having a varying radius) outer periphery 55 , by way of example and without limitation, bounding top and bottom surfaces 59 , 61 .
  • An annular hub, also referred to as boss 60 extends transversely from the bottom surface 61 of disc portion 58 about a pivot axis 67 .
  • the boss 60 has a generally cylindrical outer surface 62 ( FIG. 8 ) sized for close receipt through opening, such that negligible or no perceivable slop or play can be felt between boss 60 and opening 30 .
  • Boss 60 has a hollowed inner bore 64 extending to bottom surface 61 , wherein the bore 64 can be formed having a non-circular portion, shown as being formed as a generally rectangular, female pocket 66 , by way of example and without limitation, wherein the non-circular portion 66 acts as a non-rotation feature to prevent relative rotation between the first and second members 50 , 52 , discussed further below.
  • a through opening 68 extends along the pivot axis 67 , through the top and bottom surfaces 59 , 61 of disc portion 58 , into the bore 64 for receipt of a fastener 70 therethrough, such as a threaded screw, by way of example and without limitation.
  • the fastener 70 is configured to fix the first member 50 against relative movement to the second member 52 .
  • An attachment feature such as an opening 72 , is provided immediately adjacent the end 56 of arm portion 54 for attachment of rod 28 ( FIG. 2 ) thereto.
  • a retention feature 74 is formed on disc portion 58 , such as in the bottom surface 61 , with the retention feature being shown, by way of example and without limitation, as a pair of generally L-shaped through openings 74 extending through the top and bottom surfaces 59 , 61 .
  • the retention features 74 are shown as being located on diametrically opposite sides of the disc portion 59 , though it is contemplated that they could be located in any suitable location and arrangement.
  • a portion of the seal member 32 is configured for fixed receipt within the retention features 74 to enhance fixation of seal member 32 about boss 60 .
  • Seal member 32 is formed of any desired elastomeric seal material, such as from various types of rubber, including, by way of example and without limitation, Nitrile or silicone-based polymers.
  • the seal member 32 can be molded to the second member 52 about the boss 60 in an over-molding process, such as in an injection over-molding process, by way of example and without limitation, thereby allowing the seal material to flow into the L-shaped retention features 74 to form conform L-shaped ears 75 for secure bonding and fixation therein.
  • FIG. 9 A shows the as over-molded configuration of seal member 32 with the first member 50 removed for clarity, though it is to be recognized that the seal member 32 could be formed in advance of being fixed to the first member 50 to have the configuration shown in FIG.
  • Seal member 32 can be formed having any desired shape and contoured features to facilitate the formation of a reliable seal to prevent the ingress of water through opening 30 .
  • Seal member 32 is best shown in FIGS. 5 , 9 and 9 A as including a resilient annular seal lip 76 diverging radially outwardly and away from ears 75 for sealed abutment with an outer surface 77 of housing 23 about and adjacent opening 30 . Accordingly, water is prevented from ingress through opening 30 .
  • the second member 52 includes an annular disc portion 86 extending about axis 61 and a gear interface portion 88 extending radially outwardly from disc portion 86 .
  • Gear interface portion 88 is configured to operably interact with lock/unlock gear 44 to selectively effectuate moving latch 20 , with respect to outside door handle 17 , between its locked and unlocked states in response to actuation of key cylinder 24 .
  • Annular disc portion 86 has an outer or upper surface 90 facing first member 50 and an inner or lower surface 92 opposite upper surface 90 .
  • Upper surface 90 has a recessed, toroid-shaped counterbore, also referred to as trough 94 , extending about axis 61 .
  • trough 94 is sized for receipt of the free end 82 of boss 60 therein, with free end 82 shown being disposed in close, line-to-line or nearly line-to-line proximity with upper surface 90 .
  • the second member 52 has male stub, also referred to as protrusion 96 , extending upwardly and outwardly from trough 94 along axis 61 for receipt in bore 64 of boss 60 .
  • the male protrusion 96 has a non-circular end region 98 configured for close mating receipt in non-circular pocket 66 of bore 64 , wherein end region 98 is shown having a mating, corresponding rectangular shape sized for close fit (e.g.
  • protrusion 96 has a passage 100 extending along axis 61 for threaded receipt of fastener 70 .
  • Passage 100 is illustrated as being a blind passage and not a through passage, thereby further preventing ingress of water past outside lock lever 26 into internal cavity 27 .
  • Passage 100 can be threaded or sized for self-tapping of fastener 70 therein.
  • An annular outer periphery 102 of planar upper surface 90 extending about trough 94 is configured for low frictional engagement with inner surface 79 of housing 23 .
  • boss 60 of first member 50 can be disposed through opening 30 in housing 23 wherein seal lip 76 is brought into sealed engagement and caused to flare radially outwardly against outer surface 77 of housing 23 .
  • Male protrusion 96 is oriented for receipt in bore 64 such that end region 98 is received for mating fit within pocket 66 .
  • fastener 70 is disposed into through opening 68 and threaded into passage 100 , thereby fixing first and second members 50 , 52 to one another.
  • seal lip 76 is maintained in sealed abutment with housing outer surface 77 ; cylindrical outer surface 62 of boss 60 is brought into close relation with opening 30 .
  • outer periphery 102 of disc portion 86 is brought into engagement with housing inner surface 79 for low friction pivoting movement there against.
  • the axially extending height of male protrusion 96 is provided to allow for receipt within the axially extending depth of bore 64 to allow the aforementioned engagements between respective surfaces. Accordingly, the male protrusion 96 can be provided having a height equal to or slightly less than the depth of bore 64 , as will be understood upon viewing the disclosure herein.
  • latch 120 constructed in accordance with another aspect of the disclosure is shown, wherein the same reference numeral as used above, offset by a factor of 100, are used to identify like features. New features are identified with 200 series reference numerals.
  • Latch 120 includes the same internal components 31 discussed above, and thus, discussion hereafter is focused mainly on the differences related to an actuator lever, i.e. an outside lock lever 126 , configured in operable communication with key cylinder 24 .
  • Outside lock lever referred to hereafter as lock lever 126
  • Lock lever 126 rather than being constructed as two-piece assembly including first and second members as discussed above for lock lever 26 , is shown in accordance with another aspect of the disclosure as being a one-piece, monolithic construction.
  • Lock lever 126 has an elongate arm portion 154 , also referred to as arm, extending lengthwise between opposite ends 156 , 157 . Arm 154 extends through an elongate (generally rectangular (as viewed in 2-D plan view) opening 130 ( FIGS.
  • Latch lever 126 includes a gear interface portion 188 formed as a monolithic piece of material therewith, wherein gear interface portion 188 extends from end 157 and functions the same as gear interface portion 88 discussed above.
  • the latch 120 includes a seal member 132 disposed about a portion of the lock lever 126 to form a water-tight seal between the housing 123 and the lock lever 126 , thereby preventing the passage and ingress of water through the opening 130 . Accordingly, the latch assembly 120 is able to function as intended, for an extended useful life, without concern of malfunction resulting from phenomenon related to the ingress of water.
  • Seal member 132 is formed of any desired resilient, elastomeric material, such as from various types of rubber, such as discussed above for seal member 32 .
  • Seal member 132 is configured for fixed attached to housing 123 to close off opening 130 against the passage of water therethrough. Seal member 132 is provided not only to close of opening 130 against the passage of water, but also to allow for free laterally pivoting movement of arm 154 in direction A ( FIG. 11 A ) along the length of opening 130 during actuation of key cylinder 24 .
  • housing 123 is provided with a fastener opening 212 configured for receipt of a fastening member 214 of seal member 132 therein. A non-limiting embodiment of fastener opening 212 is best illustrated in FIGS.
  • Fastening member 214 is shown as being formed as a monolithic piece of material with a body of seal member 132 , such as in a molding process, e.g. injection molding process, by way of example and without limitation. Fastening member 214 is shown extending from a generally planar wall 215 of seal member 132 to a free end having a barb, also referred to a catch 216 ( FIGS. 12 and 14 ), formed thereon.
  • Catch 216 has a projection or lip 218 that overhangs and confronts a portion of an inner surface 179 of housing 123 , such that upon elastically deforming and disposing catch 216 through the fastener opening 212 , catch 216 elastically retains its non-deformed shape and prevents unwanted removal of seal member 132 from housing 123 , thereby fixing seal member 132 to housing 123 .
  • Seal member 132 includes generally planar wall 215 configured to lie substantially flush along an outer surface 177 of housing 123 , though non-planar contours are contemplated herein, as may be desired depending on the contour of the housing outer surface 177 , and a water shield portion 220 configured receipt about arm 154 to close off opening 130 .
  • Water shield portion 220 is shown as extending laterally from wall 215 to provide a bellowed (accordion like folds) projection 222 extending upwardly from a base wall 223 to a peak 224 having a through passage 226 ( FIG. 14 ).
  • Base wall 223 is shown extending generally transversely from wall 215 , while projection 222 extends generally transversely from base wall 223 .
  • the bellowed projection 222 provides for the free pivoting movement of arm 154 in use via freely flexible movement of bellowed projection 222 .
  • the through passage 226 is sized for a close interference receipt of arm 154 therethrough, while forming a sealed, water-tight fit about arm 154 adjacent and/or at the peak 224 .
  • a seal lip 228 ( FIG. 14 ) can be formed to project outwardly from (away from wall 215 ) and extend along a portion or the entirety of an outer surface of base wall 223 for sealed engagement against the outer surface 177 of housing 123 above opening 130 of housing 123 .
  • the seal lip 228 can be configured as desired to form a water-tight seal along the entirety of the housing outer surface 177 immediately adjacent the opening 130 .
  • the entirety of the latch 120 can be assembled prior to fixation of seal member 132 thereto. Then, with the latch 120 assembled, the bellowed projection 222 can be disposed about arm 154 , wherein arm 154 can slide through the through passage 226 into sealed interference engagement with peak 224 . Accordingly, it is to be recognized that the periphery of the through passage 226 at peak 224 is preferably slightly smaller in dimension than the outer periphery of a corresponding region of arm 154 upon full assembly of seal member 132 .
  • seal lip 228 Upon sliding seal member 132 into position about arm 154 , seal lip 228 is automatically brought into seal abutment with outer surface 177 of housing 123 , and fastener member 214 can be pressed and elastically deformed through fastener opening 212 of housing 123 , whereupon lip 218 can be elastically returned and brought into its retaining catch position against the inner surface 179 of housing 123 . Accordingly, assembly of seal member 132 is economical and does not require secondary fastening mechanisms.
  • a method 1000 of preventing ingress of water into an internal cavity of a latch assembly of a vehicle closure panel between an actuator lever and an opening in a housing of the latch assembly includes a step 1010 of providing a latch assembly 20 , 120 having a housing 23 , 123 configured for receipt of internal latch components within an internal cavity 27 , 127 , with the housing 23 , 123 having an opening 30 , 130 .
  • a further step 1020 includes disposing a portion of the actuator lever 26 , 126 through the opening 30 , 130 for operable connection with an internal latch component and, disposing a seal member 32 , 132 about a portion of the actuator lever 26 , 126 to form a water-tight seal between the housing 23 , 123 and the actuator lever 26 , 126 to prevent the passage of water through the opening 30 , 130 .
  • the method 1000 can further include a step 1030 of providing the actuator lever having a first member 50 and a second member 52 constructed of separate pieces of material and disposing the first member 50 external to the internal cavity 27 and the second member 52 within the internal cavity 27 and fixing the first member 50 against relative movement with the second member 52 .
  • the method can further include a step 1040 of bonding the seal member 32 to the first member 50 and providing the seal member 32 having an annular seal lip 76 brought into sealed engagement with an outer surface 77 of the housing 23 for relative sealed, pivotal movement thereagainst.
  • the method can further include a step 1050 of providing the seal member having a bellowed projection 222 with a through passage 226 extending therethrough and extending the actuator lever 126 in sealed relation through the through passage 226 .
  • the method can further include a step 1060 of providing the housing 123 having a fastener opening 212 and providing the seal member 132 having a fastener member 214 and fixing the fastener member 214 within the fastener opening 212 .

Landscapes

  • Lock And Its Accessories (AREA)
US16/407,633 2018-05-14 2019-05-09 Closure latch assembly with power lock mechanism having outside lock lever water protection Active 2041-01-26 US11519205B2 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US16/407,633 US11519205B2 (en) 2018-05-14 2019-05-09 Closure latch assembly with power lock mechanism having outside lock lever water protection

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201862670961P 2018-05-14 2018-05-14
US201862672431P 2018-05-16 2018-05-16
US201862721252P 2018-08-22 2018-08-22
US16/407,633 US11519205B2 (en) 2018-05-14 2019-05-09 Closure latch assembly with power lock mechanism having outside lock lever water protection

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20190345746A1 US20190345746A1 (en) 2019-11-14
US11519205B2 true US11519205B2 (en) 2022-12-06

Family

ID=68337015

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US16/407,633 Active 2041-01-26 US11519205B2 (en) 2018-05-14 2019-05-09 Closure latch assembly with power lock mechanism having outside lock lever water protection

Country Status (3)

Country Link
US (1) US11519205B2 (de)
CN (1) CN110485834A (de)
DE (1) DE102019112435A1 (de)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20230193665A1 (en) * 2020-07-15 2023-06-22 Kiekert Aktiengesellschaft Motor vehicle lock

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102020124905A1 (de) * 2020-09-24 2022-03-24 Kiekert Aktiengesellschaft Antrieb für kraftfahrzeugtechnische Anwendungen
US11814883B2 (en) * 2021-03-16 2023-11-14 GM Global Technology Operations LLC Anti-theft pass-through pawl for an access door

Citations (23)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3033046A (en) * 1959-05-29 1962-05-08 Crane Co Actuating mechanism for imparting rotary motion through a ressure vessel
US4452058A (en) * 1981-03-03 1984-06-05 Compagnie Industrielle De Mecanismes Latch, in particular for an automobile vehicle door
GB2240583A (en) 1990-01-19 1991-08-07 Bocklenberg & Motte Bomoro Motor vehicle door latches
US5060864A (en) * 1988-09-27 1991-10-29 Mazda Motor Corporation Perfume emitting device for use in an automobile
US5079873A (en) * 1989-07-17 1992-01-14 General Motors Corporation Programmed air leak for deflatable weatherstrip system
US5642806A (en) * 1996-03-07 1997-07-01 Eaton Corporation Rocker actuated switch assembly
US5855130A (en) * 1995-07-11 1999-01-05 Stoneridge, Inc. Adjunct actuator for vehicle door lock
US5967571A (en) * 1995-10-13 1999-10-19 Empak, Inc. Vacuum actuated mechanical latch
US6076882A (en) * 1994-12-14 2000-06-20 Brose Fahrzeugteile Gmbh & Co. Kg Coburg Motor vehicle door
US20050046230A1 (en) * 2001-09-26 2005-03-03 Ryoichi Fukumoto Vehicular door
CN101358506A (zh) 2007-08-02 2009-02-04 通用汽车环球科技运作公司 车辆门锁栓组件
US20100140964A1 (en) * 2008-12-04 2010-06-10 Martin Schmidt Latching device for multipart housings
CN103510770A (zh) 2012-06-29 2014-01-15 株式会社有信 门锁装置
CN203476007U (zh) 2011-03-30 2014-03-12 爱信精机株式会社 车辆用门锁装置
US20140084599A1 (en) * 2011-05-17 2014-03-27 Illinois Tool Works Inc. Actuation device for a flap
US8870247B2 (en) * 2010-10-20 2014-10-28 U-Shin Ltd. Door locking apparatus
US20140352223A1 (en) * 2013-06-04 2014-12-04 S.P.E.P. Acquisition Corp. Sealed lever latch
US20140361555A1 (en) * 2012-01-26 2014-12-11 Kiekert Aktiengesellschaft Motor vehicle door lock
CN206625692U (zh) 2016-03-18 2017-11-10 爱信精机株式会社 用于车辆的门闩锁装置
US20180010370A1 (en) 2014-11-27 2018-01-11 Mitsui Kinzoku Act Corporation Vehicle door latch device
US9957736B2 (en) 2013-09-25 2018-05-01 Magna Closures S.P.A. Electrical vehicle latch having a fluid tight electrical housing
US20190017298A1 (en) 2017-07-17 2019-01-17 Magna Closures Inc. Vehicular latch assembly with optimized sealing
US20190136590A1 (en) 2017-11-09 2019-05-09 Magna Closures Inc. Latch assembly for motor vehicle closure system having power release mechanism with mechanical release and reset feature

Patent Citations (23)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3033046A (en) * 1959-05-29 1962-05-08 Crane Co Actuating mechanism for imparting rotary motion through a ressure vessel
US4452058A (en) * 1981-03-03 1984-06-05 Compagnie Industrielle De Mecanismes Latch, in particular for an automobile vehicle door
US5060864A (en) * 1988-09-27 1991-10-29 Mazda Motor Corporation Perfume emitting device for use in an automobile
US5079873A (en) * 1989-07-17 1992-01-14 General Motors Corporation Programmed air leak for deflatable weatherstrip system
GB2240583A (en) 1990-01-19 1991-08-07 Bocklenberg & Motte Bomoro Motor vehicle door latches
US6076882A (en) * 1994-12-14 2000-06-20 Brose Fahrzeugteile Gmbh & Co. Kg Coburg Motor vehicle door
US5855130A (en) * 1995-07-11 1999-01-05 Stoneridge, Inc. Adjunct actuator for vehicle door lock
US5967571A (en) * 1995-10-13 1999-10-19 Empak, Inc. Vacuum actuated mechanical latch
US5642806A (en) * 1996-03-07 1997-07-01 Eaton Corporation Rocker actuated switch assembly
US20050046230A1 (en) * 2001-09-26 2005-03-03 Ryoichi Fukumoto Vehicular door
CN101358506A (zh) 2007-08-02 2009-02-04 通用汽车环球科技运作公司 车辆门锁栓组件
US20100140964A1 (en) * 2008-12-04 2010-06-10 Martin Schmidt Latching device for multipart housings
US8870247B2 (en) * 2010-10-20 2014-10-28 U-Shin Ltd. Door locking apparatus
CN203476007U (zh) 2011-03-30 2014-03-12 爱信精机株式会社 车辆用门锁装置
US20140084599A1 (en) * 2011-05-17 2014-03-27 Illinois Tool Works Inc. Actuation device for a flap
US20140361555A1 (en) * 2012-01-26 2014-12-11 Kiekert Aktiengesellschaft Motor vehicle door lock
CN103510770A (zh) 2012-06-29 2014-01-15 株式会社有信 门锁装置
US20140352223A1 (en) * 2013-06-04 2014-12-04 S.P.E.P. Acquisition Corp. Sealed lever latch
US9957736B2 (en) 2013-09-25 2018-05-01 Magna Closures S.P.A. Electrical vehicle latch having a fluid tight electrical housing
US20180010370A1 (en) 2014-11-27 2018-01-11 Mitsui Kinzoku Act Corporation Vehicle door latch device
CN206625692U (zh) 2016-03-18 2017-11-10 爱信精机株式会社 用于车辆的门闩锁装置
US20190017298A1 (en) 2017-07-17 2019-01-17 Magna Closures Inc. Vehicular latch assembly with optimized sealing
US20190136590A1 (en) 2017-11-09 2019-05-09 Magna Closures Inc. Latch assembly for motor vehicle closure system having power release mechanism with mechanical release and reset feature

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
Chinese Office Action and Search Report from the Chinese Patent Office for related Chinese Application No. 201910399606.X, dated Sep. 23, 2021, 11 page(s), English Translation Included.

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20230193665A1 (en) * 2020-07-15 2023-06-22 Kiekert Aktiengesellschaft Motor vehicle lock

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN110485834A (zh) 2019-11-22
DE102019112435A1 (de) 2019-11-14
US20190345746A1 (en) 2019-11-14

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US11519205B2 (en) Closure latch assembly with power lock mechanism having outside lock lever water protection
US6953209B2 (en) Compression latch
US6460902B1 (en) Slam latch and hatch assembly including a slam latch
US20190017298A1 (en) Vehicular latch assembly with optimized sealing
US6264253B1 (en) Door lock apparatus provided with a sensing switch
US11421454B2 (en) Closure latch assembly with latch mechanism and outside release mechanism having reset device
CA2604354C (en) Protective cover for a lock
US20190301212A1 (en) Closure latch assembly with latch mechanism having a dual-pawl configuration
US5931035A (en) Cylinder type lock arrangement
US9394728B2 (en) Global side door latch
US6565134B1 (en) Handle with side impact counterweight having installation position
US20180044950A1 (en) Vehicular latch assembly with latch mechanism having pop-off sound reduction
US6116660A (en) Apparatus for sealing latching devices
US20060186674A1 (en) Door lock apparatus
US8246088B2 (en) Cover for fully concealed striker
US20170114576A1 (en) Motor vehicle lock
EP2242028A1 (de) Elektronischer Schlüssel
US6502871B1 (en) Rotary latch system and method
US20200165843A1 (en) Vehicular latch assembly with snap-type connection feature providing an integrated sealing function
US20150345190A1 (en) Latch with hold open lever
EP0628682A1 (de) Kraftfahrzeugtürschloss
US20120007372A1 (en) Vehicle latch with over travel stop feature
US20080289373A1 (en) Automotive Door Lock Device
US20030038484A1 (en) Vehicle closure member latch assembly having actuator stop
CN106193846B (zh) 具有排水口的锁闩壳体和从锁闩排水的方法

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
FEPP Fee payment procedure

Free format text: ENTITY STATUS SET TO UNDISCOUNTED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: BIG.); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: DOCKETED NEW CASE - READY FOR EXAMINATION

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: RESPONSE TO NON-FINAL OFFICE ACTION ENTERED AND FORWARDED TO EXAMINER

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: FINAL REJECTION MAILED

AS Assignment

Owner name: MAGNA CLOSURES INC., CANADA

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:WOO, KAR WANG;REEL/FRAME:060220/0646

Effective date: 20220615

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: NOTICE OF ALLOWANCE MAILED -- APPLICATION RECEIVED IN OFFICE OF PUBLICATIONS

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: PUBLICATIONS -- ISSUE FEE PAYMENT VERIFIED

STCF Information on status: patent grant

Free format text: PATENTED CASE